2011 Chevrolet Impala Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 64about this part
- Share
- 13%of 505 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 70,300miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 64 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2011 Chevrolet Impala, 13% of the 505 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 70,300 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“In the middle of traffic my 2011 Impala stop accelerating. The engine was still running and RPM was reacting but no acceleration. I couldn't even pull to the side of the interstate because of no acceleration. I've seen online thousands of people have had this exact problem with their Impala. I was nearly rear ended and this is a very dangerous safety issue.”
NHTSA complaint #10947556, filed 2017-01, 106,009 miles“Anytime I go to accelerate after coming to a complete stop at a stop sign, red light, or etc the car hesitates and then jerks forward. The car hesitates and loses power. While driving down a busy city road the car turned off. I had to try and steer the vehicle to the side of the road. The steering wheel would barely turn.”
NHTSA complaint #11120834, filed 2018-08, 91,000 miles“Service traction control and check engine lights came on this morning. Then a message saying my engine power is reducing. I just bought this car 3 weeks ago. I called GM customer service and they told me there was nothing they could do, even though there was a recall regarding this because it was over the 120000 mile warranty (but I just bought this car 3 weeks ago!!!)”
NHTSA complaint #10839873, filed 2016-03, 120,473 miles“Vehicle randomly gives check engine light and reduced engine power, service stabilitrack. At this point engine power reduced to point that is very dangerous. While passing (safely) it came on and I was stuck in oncoming lane because I didn?t have the power to complete pass. Happens every week several times. This occurs while driving and sitting. Even in park it will occur. Completely random whether driving, sitting, or in park running.”
NHTSA complaint #11331387, filed 2020-06, 132,000 miles“When proceeding from a stop the car doesnt want to go then all of s sudden it takes off jerking my head backwards.a transmission company diagnosed it as a seal in the transmission. It seems to go back as far as 2004. Im almost afraid to drive the car not wanting to lurch into a car in front of me. A simple replacement of said seal with a larger one would fix the problem. It shouldn't happen at 95000 miles”
NHTSA complaint #11084432, filed 2018-04, 94,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11011205Oct 28, 2024This informational bulletin explains Unscheduled Supplemental Services and the importance of GM Simplified Maintenance Schedules.
- 11009756Sep 17, 2024This bulletin provides information on Policies Applicable to All U.S. Dealers for Engine and Transmission Assembly Replacement Under Warranty, Policy or Customer Enthusiasm and…
- 11009088Sep 16, 2024This service bulletin provides information on some vehicles that may rock or move slightly forward or rearward while in Park at start up after cold soak. This condition may be…
- 11006421Jul 24, 2024GM is receiving damaged (cracked or broken) transmission cores returned to the reman facilities. The damage is being caused either in the removal process by the technician, or…
- 11005311Jul 9, 2024This service bulletin provides information on Driveline Clunk Noise and what is acceptable and what is considered normal operation.
- 11001321May 16, 2024This bulletin provides information on the harmful effects of water or ethylene glycol in transmission fluid.
- 11000119Apr 26, 2024This service bulletin provides technicians with information to help identify the differences between what is considered a fluid leak, and what is considered fluid seepage.
- 10250347Feb 2, 2024This Warranty Admin service bulletin provides guidelines for Dealers Not Required and for Dealers Required to Contact the PQC for engine or transmission assembly replacement and…
- 10249579Jan 12, 2024This PI bulletin advises the technician on the proper way to install the pistons in an engine.
- 10245395Nov 6, 2023This service bulletin provides a vibration analysis worksheet the technician can use in conjunction with the appropriate Vibration Analysis-Road testing procedure when diagnosing…
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 2 | 13% |
| 2019 | 5 | 18% |
| 2018 | 11 | 19% |
| 2017 | 12 | 10% |
| 2016 | 16 | 14% |
| 2015 | 16 | 5% |
| 2014 | 39 | 6% |
| 2013 | 33 | 12% |
| 2012 | 27 | 10% |
| 2011 | 64 | 13% |
| 2010 | 67 | 15% |
| 2009 | 68 | 8% |
| 2008 | 91 | 11% |
| 2007 | 80 | 13% |
| 2006 | 108 | 21% |
| 2005 | 52 | 9% |
| 2004 | 47 | 4% |
| 2003 | 30 | 4% |
| 2002 | 36 | 5% |
| 2001 | 57 | 8% |
| 2000 | 52 | 6% |
| 1996 | 11 | 13% |
| 1995 | 2 | 5% |
Other parts of the 2011 Chevrolet Impala
132 complaintsEngine
125 complaintsElectrical system
95 complaintsSeats
77 complaintsVehicle speed control
69 complaintsOther or unknown
49 complaintsBrakes
39 complaintsAir bags
37 complaintsSteering
35 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
28 complaintsFuel system
17 complaintsSuspension
17 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2011 Chevrolet Impala
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology